My classmate has pancreatic cancer treated with a Whipple procedure (and prior chemo/radiation). The Whipple wasn't 100% fix for him. His "clue" was development of Type 1 diabetes and severe weight loss. My ampullary cancer was heralded by a rise in liver enzyme ALP. The tumor blocked the path to my duodenum and caused the common bile duct to dilate from a normal 4mm to well over 17mm with bile backup into my blood. The path to detection started with a blood test in January. Sonograms, MRCP, CT, colonoscopy, transoral endoscopy and an ERCP have culminated on April 17th with a referral for a Whipple. May 16th brings a consult with the surgeon. The Whipple follows.
I’m wishing you the best, and praying for your complete, uneventful recovery. What a thing to have to face. I’ve lost two friends to pancreatic cancer, and one to bowel cancer. Each was found in its last stages. Thankfully, yours is found earlier while a successful outcome is more likely.
Still, you face a heavy burden.